What is a standing order? And how it differs from a Direct Debit
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
A standing order is an instruction you give your own bank to pay a fixed amount to someone on a regular schedule, such as £500 on the first of every month. You set it up, you control it, and only you can change or cancel it.
How it works
- You choose who to pay, how much and how often in your banking app.
- Your bank sends the payment automatically on each date.
- You change or cancel it yourself whenever you like.
Standing order vs Direct Debit
With a standing order, the payer is in control and the amount is fixed until they change it. With a Direct Debit, the payer gives a business permission to collect payments, and the business can take varying amounts after giving notice. Direct Debits are covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee; standing orders are not.
When to use each
Standing orders suit fixed payments such as rent, regular savings or paying a family member. Direct Debits suit bills where the amount changes, such as energy or phone bills.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay platforms include accounts, payments and subscriptions under your own brand, powered by licensed partners. You can preview your platform before you pay.
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Build my platform →Questions people ask
When will each standing order payment go out?
List every date and the total with the free calculator.
Standing order calculator →What is a Direct Debit?
How businesses collect regular payments from a bank account.
What is a Direct Debit? →What is recurring billing?
How businesses charge customers on a schedule.
What is recurring billing? →Read next
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.